Armored catfish wreaking havoc in South Florida lakes

Armored catfish wreaking havoc in South Florida lakes

A species of “armored catfish” are damaging South Florida’s lakes, causing coastal erosion and even burrowing holes that trip up humans walking along the water’s edge.

Catfish are usually one of the more popular breeds of aquatic life, with their smooth skin and flavorful meat. There’s even a highly unconventional form of fishing known as “noodling,” in which people use their bare hands to capture catfish.

But the Sun-Sentinel reports that the Loricariidae (armored catfish) are far less welcome. The non-native and invasive species have rugged scales along their backs and spiky fins. Catching the South American natives can be difficult, as the armored catfish reportedly are not baited by fishing hooks and must instead be caught by nets or even spears.